Northwest Community Center operates as a ministry of Northwest Bible Church. The center is located in Vickery Meadow, a neighborhood in northeast Dallas that represents more than 50 languages, over 30 people groups and numerous religious beliefs. The refugees served at Northwest Community Center are our neighbors – those we are called to love as ourselves. We offer programs six days each week, and offer our space to several partners who also operate programs for refugee families at the center.
A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Most likely, refugees cannot return home or are afraid to do so. War and violence (ethnic, tribal, and religious) are leading causes of refugees fleeing their countries. Two-thirds of all refugees worldwide come from just five countries: Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, Venezuela and Ukraine. Source: www.unrefugees.org
At Northwest Community Center, our staff, volunteers and program partners are focused on helping refugees to learn English, to prepare for jobs, and to excel in school. ESL classes, women's and men's conversation clubs, after-school homework help, youth tutoring, and a career development program are examples of programs that are offered at the community center. Six full-time staff, three part-time staff, two missionaries, over 70 program partners and hundreds of volunteers enable us to accomplish or work.
AID refugees to start their new life in Dallas, EMPOWER refugees to thrive in a new culture, and INVITE refugees to experience new life.
Historically, programs at Northwest Community Center have been funded through the generosity of the Northwest Bible church body, partner churches and foundations. In recent years, our educational programs for K-12 students and adults have expanded. To sustain and grow these programs, gifts from the broader community are critical.
Our greatest needs include funding in support of our academic advancement program for K-12 refugee students (after-school homework help, tutoring, high school summer leadership intensive) and our career development program for refugee men and women.
When refugees flee, their lives are disrupted. For refugee children, transition is especially difficult. New life in Dallas means new friends, a new language and a culture that can be drastically different from their home country. Our tutoring and after-school programs provide refugee students with some extra educational support in a small group setting. They also find encouragement, acceptance and kindness through our volunteers and staff who care greatly for the refugee community.
Our career development program at Northwest Community Center aims to accelerate economic stability of refugee families through an emphasis on soft skills and job specific training. Our program is modeled after a best in class career development program - CrossPurpose - based in Denver, Colorado. In addition to CrossPurpose, our career development program partners currently include Wilkinson Center, Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas, Texas Women's University School of Nursing, Skilltrade and Upwardly Global. Our current cohort numbers fourteen students pursuing their Medical Assistant Certificate. The 20 week course will transition into four week externships in October 2026. Certification exam success and the attainment of a medical assistant job are anticipated outcomes.
Refugees who have been in the country for at least 20 years reach a median income of $71,400—exceeding the national median of $67,100. This upward mobility highlights an ability to integrate successfully into the economy and contribute meaningfully into their communities.
A gift of:
$50 feeds elementary students in after-school homework help snacks for one week
$125 provides a book and customer service and sales certification exam for an adult enrolled in our career development cohort
$200 enables a hot meal for students and volunteers during Saturday tutoring
$750 provides job training in an area such as forklift certification or certified nursing assistant for one adult
Northwest Community Center is a welcoming space. Our programming is focused on extending kindness and care to refugees who are often overlooked, disenfranchised, and lonely. Our hope is that we can make a difference for refugees as they assimilate to their new communities in Dallas. All people with refugee status are eligible for our programs.
Organization name
Northwest Community Center
other names
Northwest Bible Church
Causes
Immigrants & Refugees
Operating Budget
$500,000 - $999,999
Counties Served
Dallas
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx
Address
5750 Pineland Drive Suite 100